26 nations to participate in upcoming RIMPAC war games

A combat controller from the 320th Special Tactics Squadron uses a satellite communication antenna to coordinate with the operations center during a humanitarian assistance and disaster response scenario as part of Rim of the Pacific 2016 at Pohakuloa Training Area. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jaclyn Pienkowski/Special to West Hawaii Today)

An Australian Army Light Armoured Vehicle from 2nd Cavalry Regiment moves through the Pohakuloa Training Area during Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2016. (Australian Defence Force photo by Cpl. David Said/Special to West Hawaii Today)

U.S., Republic of Korea Marines and Malaysian soldiers hike to their next set of ranges to continue training at Pohakuloa Training Area in Rim of the Pacific 2016. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Antonio Campbell/Special to West Hawaii Today)

A Special Tactics Officer with the 320th Special Tactics Squadron backs an aircraft up on the flightline at Bradshaw Army Airfield at Pohakuloa Training Area during a multi-aircraft, joint airborne operation with special operations assets and conventional forces from all four branches of the U.S. Armed Forces as part of Rim of the Pacific 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Jaclyn Pienkowski/Special to West Hawaii Today)

Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines land an Assault Amphibious Vehicle at Kawaihae Harbor to head up to Pohakuloa Training Area in July 2016. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Natalie A. Dillon/Special to West Hawaii Today)

KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii Island residents may hear low-flying planes or see naval vessels off the coast when the 26-nation Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) maritime exercise kicks off June 27.

Some 26 nations, 47 surface ships, five submarines, 18 national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are expected to participate in the biennial RIMPAC exercise that runs through Aug. 2 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, according to the U.S. Navy Indo-Pacific Command.

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RIMPAC, the world’s largest international maritime exercise, provides a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series, which began in 1971.

This year’s theme is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.”

Participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The training program includes amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as counter-piracy operations, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations.

This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.

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This is the first time Brazil, Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are participating in RIMPAC.

China, which participated in RIMPAC 2016 and 2014, had its invitation withdrawn May 23 by the Pentagon, which cited Beijing’s “continued militarization” of the South China Sea.

Sad times for all–rampant militarism to maintain mindless expansion into the world and to attempt singular control over it, coercing us to give away our freedoms, our very personal and societal coherence–for fears, for ‘protection’. And, for the further destruction of the highest of the living beings in the oceans–the people of the sea–the cetaceans.

Yay! Welcome to ALL , to the Big Island and surrounding Pacific waters . An awesome show of solidarity in the Pacific and around the world . THIS is the message to send to Russia , or China , whomever is trying to advance their hegemonic influences . If you don’t appreciate it , go sign up as a volunteer to plant trees on Mauna Kea . Far more productive than negativist whining with your computer .

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